From noise levels to strange smells, when
your closest neighbor is only a wall away, there are a myriad of
problems that can arise. Constant stomping may make you wonder if an
elephant inhabits the apartment above you, while loud music can cause
you to think the person to the right of your unit needs their ears
checked. Alas, it's not always easy living in close proximity, and if
your neighbors are not only located to the east and west of you, but to
the north and south as well, it may seem as though you have it coming
from all sides. But harmony can be achieved in this complex environment;
here are a few ways to ensure that you get along with your neighbors.
Get to Know Them
It's important to get to know your neighbors before any problems
occur and not after. After all, people are more likely to listen to
someone who they know rather than a complete stranger. Introduce
yourself from the get go, and try to check in every once and a while. It
is going to be less awkward to introduce yourself to your neighbors
upon becoming the newest tenant in the building, than it will be three
months from now when you want to inform them that you didn't appreciate
the party they threw the night before.
Give Them a Chance
If your usually quiet neighbors, have some uncharacteristically loud
music playing for a few hours, don't immediately bang on their door to
get them to turn it down. Everyone is allowed at least one pass, so
don't complain about the noise level if it only happened that one time.
But, if a neighbor's behavior continues to disturb your peace a second
or third time, it's time to say something. Also, before filing a formal
complaint against your neighbors with landlord, be sure to go to them
first. It's important that you talk to them about it face to face,
giving them the chance to correct the problem before doing something
that could cause them to receive a violation. After all, they might be
completely unaware that their movie nights and surround sound is keeping
you awake at night.
See Both Sides
There are two sides to every story, so after explaining your views on an incident ask them about theirs. Be open and listen, demonstrating that you are not are not interested in just complaining about a problem but resolving it. Remember, your neighbors have just as much right to be there are you do, and they are also paying good money to enjoy where they live. If they are unwilling to change their behavior, ask if there is any way you can both compromise and come to a fair agreement. It also helps to inquire as to if anything about your behavior as a neighbor causes any problems for them, so that you can be more considerate in the future. Showing that you are willing to change your habits will likely help them be more willing to change theirs.
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